First Riverside County Resident Dies from Flu Complications This Year

A flu-related illness claimed the life of a 33-year- old Riverside County man -- the first county resident to die from the virus this year, health officials confirmed Wednesday.

The county Department of Public Health said the man, whose identity was not released, died last week in a hospital in the Riverside metropolitan area. Along with the flu, he was battling other health disorders that officials would not disclose.

Dr. Cameron Kaiser, Riverside County’s public health officer, said it was not yet known whether the man had received a flu shot.

“Even in years where the flu vaccine is less good of a match, it’s still much better protection than going without it,” Kaiser said. “And it’s not too late this season to get one.”

During the 2014 influenza season, 26 county residents died from flu- related complications.

In the current flu season, there were 25 confirmed influenza-related deaths statewide among residents 64 years old and younger in the five weeks ended Feb. 7, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Flu symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue.

Those at highest risk of developing potential life-threatening conditions stemming from flu include the elderly, pregnant women, small children and those with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

– By City News Service.

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